Thursday, March 31, 2011

Gillingham trace their history back to 1893 with the formation of New Brompton FC. Share capital was issued at £1500 and a plot of land purchased for £600 that was to become known as Priestfield Stadium. They became a professional Club the following year at the same time as becoming founder members of The Southern League. The name was changed to Gillingham in 1913 and in 1920, they joined the Football League. A further spell outside the League between 1938 and 1950 preceded a promotion in 1964 to the then Division 3 where they stayed until 1989. Financial problems followed and The Club eventually fell into administration in 1995. With total extinction looming, it was the eleventh hour takeover by Paul Scally that ensured the continuance.

They are currently managed by former player Andy Hessenthaler who is in his second spell as The Gills boss. He is assisted by former Barnet man, Ian Hendon.

Priestfield is barely recognisable from the stadium that was taken over by Scally and boasts three newish stands at the only League ground in Kent. The old Town End terrace was demolished in 2004 to make way for the proposed Brian Moore Stand but, so far, only a temporary seated but uncovered structure accommodates the visiting fans. Admission is by pre-purchased tickets at £20 for adults, £16 for 65+, £13 for 16-21, £9 for 12-15 and £6 for U12’s. PLEASE NOTE, The Gills charge a premium of £3 on match-days for all but those under 16 so advance purchase is strongly advised.

HUISA – coach departs from Radford's at 8.00 am with a fare of £26 (members £24).

BY CAR – Travel to Gloucester then follow the signs for Cirencester and Swindon to join the M4 east (sign London). Continue on the M4 before joining the M25 anti-clockwise at Junction 4A (sign South, Gatwick). At junction 5 of the M25, take the M26 and then continue onto the M20. At M20 J6, take the A229 north to connect with the M2 at J3. Follow the M2 eastwards to leave at J4 where you take the A278 for Gillingham. At the third roundabout, take the first exit onto the A2. At the Premier Inn roundabout on the A2, take the third exit onto the A289 then at the next roundabout take the first exit onto Cornwallis Avenue. Cross the traffic lights before turning right onto Toronto Road then second left into Redfern Avenue. Priestfield Stadium will be on your left. Postcode is ME7 4DD, mileage approximately 190 miles and you should allow at least 4 hours. Parking is mainly in the streets but you should note that many streets are “permit only” and the local traffic wardens relish match-days at Priestfield. Fortunately, the town centre is close enough to provide parking and to walk to the stadium.

TRAIN – Hereford to London Paddington then either Victoria or Charing Cross to Gillingham station, which is a ten-minute walk to the stadium. Update: St Pancras has trains to Gillingham every 30 mins, takes 45 mins.

REFRESHMENTS – The Dog and Bone on Jeffrey Street is close to the train station and offers a decent range but no food. The Frog and Toad on Burnt Oak Terrace and the Will Adams on Saxton Street are both worth a visit. There are two chip shops on Gillingham Road just a few minutes from the ground.

Torquay manager Paul Buckle says he doesn't see how his side can be docked points when the Gulls and Bulls face a Football League panel over their ineligible players.

He told their official site:

"I don't foresee any penalty points-wise. We may well get a fine but I don't know - I've never been in this position before. It was a genuine mistake, we lost the game and we know what happened during the game. I was told straight after Jake scored that we'd made a mistake.

"Everybody knows about it and the Board could not have been more up front than coming down and telling the manager on the bench. We didn't gain any points and there was no advantage for Torquay, so I don't foresee a points' penalty."

Paul Tierney from Lancashire is set to referee Saturday's League Two fixture between Gillingham and Hereford United.

The Bulls met Tierney earlier this season at the home game against Aldershot which was drawn 2-2. There were no bookings in that game.

It's Tierney's second season of refereeing at this level. Last season he was in charge of two games involving the Bulls, firstly at home against Bournemouth and secondly away at Darlington. Both were won by the Bulls.

To date this season Tierney has been in charge of 28 games in which he has given out 96 yellow and 6 red cards.

A club statement says the Shakers have agreed a compensation package with the Championship strugglers that will see Knill end his three year tenure at Gigg Lane. Assistant Chris Brass and goalkeeper coach Neil Cutler have also left the club.

Hereford United travel to Kent tomorrow for Saturday's match at Gillingham fully aware that if they are to get anything from the game they must put on a much more spirited performance than that at Accrington last night.

As for Gillingham they are 6th in the table and hopeful of getting, at least, a play-off place if not automatic promotion.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler, whose side is unbeaten in their last 13 games, feels there could be a reaction from Hereford after last night's heavy defeat.

"Our aim is to get three points on Saturday," he told the Kent Times.

"Hereford got beat comfortably last night and that can go one of two ways. Either we can get an early goal and make it a difficult afternoon for them or they can take heart and frustrate us."

Stockport have loaned midfielder Jake Simpson, son of former boss Paul, to Hyde for a month. He hasn't played for the first team since his dad was sacked. Barnet have extended the loan of full back Matt Parsons from Crystal Palace until the end of the season. The teenager has played five times for the club so far. The Bees will be without fellow defender Jude Stirling for up to three weeks due to a calf strain.

Accrington are to charge just £5 for adult admission to next Tuesday's home match with Southend. They have three home games in a week due to postponements caused by the state of their pitch. Lincoln winger Delroy Facey is doing rehabilitation work on his shoulder injury with the Huddersfield rugby league side, as the egg chasers have a history of working with shoulder injuries.

Oldham say that any outstanding wages will be paid today, after they missed pay day for a second successive month. Bristol Rovers' board told their AGM that they remain committed to the redevelopment of their current ground despite no progress being made. The club reported a £1.1million loss for last season but say that Directors have been putting the money in rather than bank loans.

Cheltenham have offered loanee Marlon Pack a contract for next season after he was told by Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill he would be released from Fratton Park in the summer. Lincoln have recalled striker Drewe Broughton from his loan spell at AFC Wimbledon. The Imps have scored only one goal from open play in their last three games.

Plymouth's Administrator says there are two bidders left in the running for the club, but neither has yet struck a deal due to the mortgage situation. One of the mortgage holders, Mastpoint, have offered a deal to renegotiate their loan. Truro City owner Kevin Heaney is claimed to be the preferred bidder according to the BBC, but he would have to dispense with the Zamaretto League side before investing.

Coventry are reported to be losing £500,000 a month, and only escaped Administration thanks to a loan from their owners. Incoming chairman Ken Dulieu says he is unsure whether the club has enough funds to complete the season.

"He made some good saves at the weekend," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"So take the rough with the smooth, he knows he has done wrong. There's no point me going on about it.

"I've just said to him let's move on.

"Another game comes very quickly, Gillingham, another tough one.

"We need to go there and do better than we did tonight."

Pitman also admitted that once again "Individual errors are costing us."

"You have to give credit to Accrington as they played well but individual errors are costing us," he said.

"Their third goal was a great strike by the lad and you can't do a lot about that but that has killed the game off at 3-0.

"We have to move on and not dwell on this result. We have been under pressure all season and it's no different now. We need to make sure we play better than we have done here, though. I believe I have got a good enough squad."

Finally Pitman explained some of his thinking behind the team selection.

"Fleetwood has hardly missed a minute, looked very tired towards the end of the game last weekend. We've got Waide Fairhurst who is a decent player so we changed the system a little bit.

"Jason went up there to try and get hold of it and give us a little bit more.

"They are all good players. It just hasn't maybe worked against a decent Accrington side."

Hereford United were comprehensively outplayed at the Crown Ground last night as they went down to a 4-0 defeat by Accrington Stanley. Manager Jamie Pitman made four changes from the team that started against Crewe last Sunday dropping Stuart Fleetwood, Kenny Lunt, Steve Leslie and Nicky Featherstone to the bench and replacing them with Waide Fairhurst, Richard Rose, Rob Purdie and latest loanee, Jason Price.

Playing in their home kit the Bulls kicked off towards the away end with a 4-4-2 formation. However, it was Accrington who started the brighter on a surface which had been recently drained especially in the middle but still appeared bobbly.

Encouraged by a noisy home support complete with an annoying drum. Accrington had several half chances early on whereas the Bulls failed to trouble keeper Alex Cisax.

On 16 minutes Accrington took the lead. A free kick taken by Jimmy Ryan was sent towards the corner on the left of Bartlett's goal and was then centred by Ian Craney for an easy tap in by Terry Gornell.

Stam keeping an eye on Gornell

Accrington had another opportunity from a cross which was well cut out by Stam and Adam Bartlett had to be alert to keep out a shot from Andrew Procter.

Colbeck gets away from Ryan

A free kick from Ryan Green caused some panic in the Accrington goal but was eventually cleared. Rob Purdy, Fairhurst and Colbeck then combined well but Colbeck took one touch too many and the chance was lost. James Mcquilken tried had a shot which appeared to hit the bar after a deflection.

Accrington's second goal looked like a training ground exercise carried out to perfection. On 43 minutes a corner was sent straight along the ground to an unmarked Ryan whose strong shot from 18 yards gave Bartlett little chance.

One minute later and it was 3-0. A long ball from Ryan was controlled by Sean McConville who sent a strong shot past Bartlett from about 15 yards.

As the half time whistle blew Stanley Supporters were singing 'You might as well go home'. Even the Sky Sports cameramen changed ends as he suggested the home side looked more likely to score in the second half.

Half time Accrington Stanley 3 Hereford United 0

The second period started much the same as the first with Stanley having the majority of possession. On 55 minutes an unnecesary backpass from Townsend should have been dealt with by Bartlett, but wasn't. Under pressure from Gornell, Bartlett dithered and tried to play the round him, lost possession and the Accrington striker scored one of the easiest goals of his career!

Purdie did have a decent header that went narrowly wide but, in truth, little was going right for the Bulls and manager Pitman made some changes. Nicky Featherstone came on for Richard Rose. Shortly afterwards Steven Leslie replaced Price who had a disappointing debut.

Price gets the better of Sean Hessey

The introduction of Leslie seemed to lift the spirits of the Bulls and the loanee from Shrewsbury stung the gloves of Cisak with a low shot after some good work from Colbeck. But after this Accrington seemed content to sit on their four goal lead and soak up any pressure.

Full time – Accrington Stanley 4 Hereford United 0.

You have to have to hand it to Accrington's Manager John Coleman who, on the smallest budget in League Two, has put together a competent squad who were generally quicker to the ball and took their opportunities well. Jamie Pitman will need to give consideration to who starts at Gillingham on Saturday. Both Kenny Lunt and Stuart Fleetwood were sorely missed last night.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Accrington boss John Coleman could barely hide his delight when speaking to the official Accrington site after tonight's game:

"We were smashing tonight. We really worked hard right until the end. The amount of ground Ian Craney's covered and he's chasing people down at the corner flag in the 90th minute.

"The first half was possibly as good as we can get. On the front foot, making chances and taking chances and defending superbly.

"There was one blip in the 38th minute where a deflection hit the bar and it could have been different if that had gone in, but we went right back up the other end and bang bang. That put us in a great position for the second half.

"I was relieved to get the fourth goal. That took a bit of the pressure off us and then it was nice to be able to see the game out in the last ten minutes and not overly exert ourselves."

They're a pub side, not getting paid on time, playing on a ploughed field, but Accrington took the Bulls apart at the Crown Ground tonight, winning 4-0.

Fit-again Terry Gornell scored twice, with Jimmy Ryan and Sean McConville also scoring to embarass the reshuffled Bulls. Loan striker Jason Price made a debut alongside Waide Fairhurst in a return to 4-4-2 but it only brought back the same scoreline from the last time that formation was used, with a blunt forward line taking two-thirds of the game to force a save out of Stanley keeper Alex Cisak.

Speaking to the BBC, Accrington benefactor Ilyas Khan has admitted the club is behind on wages and other bills.

Khan is still trying to resolve the ownership issue that has dogged the club for the last two years. Former Chairman Eric Whalley remains the official owner but Khan wants both him and MD Dave O'Neill, who originally struck a deal to buy the shares, to quit the club entirely. Khan says he is tired of covering debts while others provide nothing, and says he will no longer fund the losses until the situation is resolved:

"The club is behind on it's obligations to it's staff, the players, the Government, and other creditors. Some creditors are very friendly and prepared to look the other way - and I think the staff and the players are a significant element of those that have a lot of goodwill towards the club."

"Despite my hard stance I have sent money across in the last few weeks to keep the doors open, against my better judgement."

Accrington captain Andy Proctor has called on fans to back the club in their bid for promotion, starting with the visit of the Bulls tonight.

Stanley have an average attendance of just 1,740 this season, down 12% on last term, and have six of their final nine matches at home. Proctor told the Lancashire Telegraph the team was good value to watch: “We play good football at home and we’ve scored nine goals in our last three games. With the Ultras the atmosphere is good and when there is a big crowd it really does spur the lads on."

The Bulls may be spurred on by the comments made in the same paper by fan blogger Stephen Lowe, who tells readers:

'Now if there’s a team that we owe a thrashing it has to be the Bulls. The trips to Edgar Street are very seldom fruitful and the trip home on the back roads is hellish. I get the feeling that we are due another 7-4 Gillingham result, we just need the rub of the green as far as the officials go and a tad more luck in front of goal.'

Stanley are to wait on the fitness of Terry Gornell before deciding on their line-up. The 21 year old ten goal striker missed their weekend draw with Aldershot after gashing a leg last Tuesday at Crewe.

Port Vale's board have named acting chief executive Perry Deaking as the club's new CEO. The move is seen by fans as a further snub to the takeover bid from Mo Chaudry. Plymouth hope to still sell teenage prospect Jack Stephens this season as he is an apprentice. Southampton and Newcastle are said to be interested at the £125,000 asking price.

Barnet midfielder Anthony Pulis will miss the next three weeks after picking up an Achilles injury in the pre-match warm up against Chesterfield at the weekend. Northampton midfielder Ryan Gilligan will have an operation this week that will end his season. He hopes to be fit again after ankle surgery in time for next season.

Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker says manager Mark Yates will be looking for a more physical type of player next season after his side were outmuscled in a number of games. Crewe boss Dario Gradi says keeper Steve Phillips will be his no.1 keeper next season, but the veteran will be dropped again in favour of loan stopper Rhys Taylor this week.

FA Cup First Round opponents Hythe Town face Herne Bay tonight in a game that could cement their place at the top of the Kent League. They are five points clear of Herne Bay with nine games remaining. Carlisle have announced a price rise in matchday ticket prices, but have cut season ticket prices for under 11's to just £6 - the cost of one match this term.

Bury have confirmed receiving an approach for manager Alan Knill. They say the contact, with press reports saying it is Scunthorpe, came this morning and there is no further news to report. Chesterfield have reported a loss of £936,882 for last season, their last at Saltergate. The club has already indicated that it will raise gate prices next season and will give manager John Sheridan a bigger playing budget. The club also intend to have an on-site bookmaker in place for next season.

York have posted a loss of £274,000 for last season after attempting to secure promotion back to the League. They spent an extra £250,000 on wages but lost the play-off final. Chairman Jason McGill says the club would have to halve their wage bill to break even, and that the club needs to move to a new stadium to increase revenue and cut repair bills at the ageing Bootham Crescent.

The FA Cup remains without a sponsor for next season despite searching for nearly a year since Eon stated they would not be extending their four year link. The current deal is worth £8million a year.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Port Vale beat Lincoln 2-1 and Shrewsbury won 3-1 at Rotherham in tonight's League Two results.

The Imps' loss means the Bulls can overtake them and reach up as far as 15th with a win tomorrow night. Shrewsbury are up to third in the table, with the Valiants moving back into the play-off spots.

At the foot of League One Dagenham lost 1-0 to Brighton, Swindon lost 1-0 at Exeter, and Sheff Weds lost 3-1 at home to Brentford. Only Yeovil won at the wrong end of the table, leapfrogging the Owls after a 1-0 win over Carlisle. Swindon now have just seven games to close a seven point gap.

In the Conference Crawley beat Mansfield 2-0, while Luton drew 0-0 at home with Barrow. Crawley now need to win just four of their remaining eight matches to secure League football next season, having won eight of their last ten.

The Bulls travel to the Crown Ground on Wednesday night for a League Two match with Accrington Stanley.

The Bulls will be defending a five match unbeaten run against Stanley, and looking for a third straight win at the Crown Ground. The two sides drew 1-1 at Edgar Street in October with Mathieu Manset scoring for the Bulls, while Gavin McCallum scored twice for the Bulls last April to secure a 2-1 away win. Accrington's last win was four years ago, with ex-Bull David Brown scoring before being sent off in a 2-0 victory.

Accrington's play-off hopes have neither increased nor faded since they launched their official challenge for the top seven in February. They sit five points short of their target with a game or two in hand on most of their rivals. Their home form is their strength, losing only three of their home games all season and scoring twice as many goals as on the road. They come into the game with just one defeat in ten games, to Saturday's opponents Gillingham, with that run coinciding with the return to the club of midfielder Ian Craney.

The Bulls travel north with a record of only one defeat in seven away League games during 2011, and after a morale-boosting home win on Saturday. Stuart Fleetwood will have something to prove to the locals in Lancashire, having had an unspectacular loan spell there at the end of his first Bulls spell. Back then he was on his way out of Edgar Street and only scored four all season. Saturday's goal was his 12th League goal, and he is only two behind the total for the other nine strikers the Bulls have deployed this season.

The children of Herefordshire are trying to collect a Million 1 penny pieces. We are collecting them in bank bags of 100 pennies.

On Saturday July 9th we will then be inviting everyone to bring their pennies to Edgar Street where they will be spread over the pitch. Everyone will be invited to come an take part in the experience.

In particular children will have the opportunity to experience and understand just what 1,000,000 is. The whole project is mainly a Maths based thing. However there is a fantastic spin off: the funds raised will go to St Michael’s Hospice and an army charity: The Operational Casualties Fund. 1,000,000 1 penny pieces is equal to £10,000!

We need your help!

On paper we are ¾ of the way there but we need a little more support. If you’d be interested in adding your 1 penny pieces to the effort then you can take you pennies to any of the following schools who are involved: Kimbolton, Bodenham, Sutton, Whitbourne, Wellington, Cannon Pyon, Home Lacy, St Francis, Kings Caple, St. Thomas Cantilupe, Trinity, Colwall, Burghill, Credenhill, Holmer, Marlbrook, Lord Scudamore, Weobley Secondary, Bishops, Lea, Acornbury Centre, Cathedral Junior, Madley, Stretton, Hampton Dene, Burley Gate, Leominster Junior, Longtown, Orleton and Brockhampton.

Please ensure that any pennies taken to schools are given to the people responsible for the collection.

For further information Email: wdpdavies@googlemail.com or phone Burghill School on 01432 760240 to register your interest.

The Bulls News Prediction League continues this Wednesday when Accrington Stanley entertain Hereford United. Can the Bulls bring another three points home on the road, and build on Sunday's 1-0 victory over Crewe?

To enter, simply send in your final score and attendance predictions to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk. Please remember to include your chosen username. The deadline for this game is at 7.00pm on Wednesday.

Stockport have extended the loan spell of Leyton Orient defender Aaron Brown for a third and final month. The 27 year old will be available to play in all but the final two matches of the season. Bradford have recalled striker Chib Chilaka from his loan spell at Conf North Harrogate after he scored a hat-trick against Gloucester at the weekend.

Former Lincoln loanee keeper Trevor Carson says he opted to move to Brentford last week as their JPT final appearances gives him a chance of playing at Wembley. Southend have announced a 10% increase in season ticket prices for next season, with an adult season ticket costing £350 if purchased before the end of the season. Match day ticket prices are rising £3 with the club admitting to losing £100,000 a month.

Burton boss Paul Peschisolido is considering utilising the youth team as his side suffer from injuries and suspensions. Their midweek match with Macclesfield sees four Brewers players suspended and as many injured. Port Vale directors have called in Police after three of them were sent suspicious packages in the post to their home addresses. The packages were said to contain animal organs.

Barnet are trialling former Premier League keeper Roy Caroll. The 33 year old is a free agent after leaving a Danish side midway through a three year deal and had been trialling with Sheff Utd.

The Bulls travel to Accrington on Wednesday for the match originally scheduled to take place in January. Admission to the delights of Accy’s away terrace is believed to be £13 for adults, Over 60’s £8, U16’s and NUS £5, U12’s £1 and whippets FOC. A number of spaces in the seated area of the main stand are usually made available for an extra couple of groats.

HUISA – departs from Radfords at 2.30 pm with a fare of £20 (members £18). Seats still available through the office on 08442 761939.

BY CAR - leave the M6 at Junction 29 and take the M65 towards Blackburn. Continue past Blackburn towards Accrington and leave the M65 at Junction 7. Then take the left hand exit at the roundabout onto the A6185 towards Clitheroe (this is in the opposite direction to Accrington). At the first set of traffic lights turn right onto the A678, towards Padiham, and then at the next traffic lights, turn right onto the A680 towards Accrington. After about half a mile along the A680 you will pass the Crown pub on your left. Take the next left into Livingstone Road and then an immediate left for the Club car park. Parking , for a small donation is also available on land adjacent to the ground, otherwise street parking. Distance approx. 165 miles; allow three and a half hours drive time. Postcode is BB5 5BX

REFRESHMENTS. There is a club at the ground but visiting supporters are not admitted. The nearest Pub to the ground is The Crown, which is now owned by the Football Club and is behind the ground in the main Whalley Road. The atmosphere is usually good with plenty of friendly banter and the added bonus of clog dancing instruction. The Greyhound is a little further down the same road as is The Castle Hotel. The nearest chip shop to the ground appears to be the Oaklea Chippy at 230 Walley Road at the junction with Moss Hall Road.

Rob Shoebridge from Derbyshire is set to take charge of Wednesday's League Two game between Accrington Stanley and Hereford United.

The last time the Bulls met Shoebridge was at Oldham on a Sunday afternoon in October 2008. As well as losing the game 4-0, the Bulls had Stephen O'Leary sent off.

The BN match reporter wasn't very happy with the refereeing that afternoon.

Then, on fifteen minutes came the first of two penalty errors by referee Shoebridge. As the ball was lofted over the Bulls defence, Hughes and N'Gotty chased it towards the bye-line. Hughes appeared to get a touch to the ball deflecting it away from the goal but instead of following the ball he leant into N'Gotty before collapsing to the ground. The reaction of most reasonable football fans would have been "nice try Lee...but the Ref won't buy that one". He did and awarded the softest penalty I've witnessed in fifty years of watching football.

Then in the second half:

To add insult to the injury of his earlier penalty misdemeanours, Referee Shoebridge then conspired to produce two cards in as many minutes to Hereford's hardworking midfielder, Stephen O’Leary. Both challenges looked fairly innocuous but the second appeared to draw a straight red from the stage-struck official.

To date this season Shoebridge has been in charge of 27 games in which he has given out 55 yellow and 3 red cards.

Luton have parted company with manager Richard Money by 'genuine mutual consent'.

It is another case of the play-offs not being good enough with the Hatters third in the Conference table, 15 points short of leaders Crawley. Money leaves after 18 months at the helm having taken the team to second place last season.

Assistant Gary Brabin takes charge until the end of the season. Brabin previously took Cambridge to the Conference play-offs, losing to Torquay in the final.

Wrexham boss Dean Saunders says the club is under a transfer embargo, saying "We can't sign any players until we've paid off some bills, so my hands are tied at the minute" even though the transfer window has closed. The club's board have suspended takeover talks with Stephanie Booth after she revealed news of a winding up order from the taxman. The Supporters Trust remains in talks.

Aldershot have opted not to extend the loan of Mansfield striker Luke Medley. The 21 year old made four sub appearances for the Shots in his month at the Rec. Bury boss Alan Knill has hinted he may quit the club to move to Scunthorpe, telling the press "Unfortunately, sometimes opportunities come along and you have to make decisions that aren't easy or popular."

Plymouth's Administrator is preparing to go to court to resolve the issues blocking his attempts to sell the club. Brendan Guilfoyle will seek a court order to 'unsecure' four mortgages on the club's ground so that a deal can be struck with one of three bidders. The move will put the £4million in mortgages in with the other unsecured creditors. Former Bull Marc Pugh dedicated his goal at the weekend to new baby daughter Halle.

Hayes and Yeading have confirmed they will leave their current home, of the previous Hayes club, and move to the rebuilt ground formerly used by Yeading. They will use alternative venues for the first part of next season while the ground is prepared. Grimsby will be taken to court by Boston over the signing of their management duo Rob Scott and Paul Hurst. They have also lodged a complaint with the FA over an illegal approach for Hurst as he was registered as a player with the Pilgrims.

Cheltenham's ex-Bulls defender Keith Lowe is to miss much of the remainder of the season after damaging knee ligaments in their weekend loss. Northampton have named Peter Johnson as their new chief scout. He is manager Gary's brother, and has done the same job with him at Peterboro and Bristol City.

Lincoln have released winger Albert Jarrett by mutual consent. The Sierra Leone international was a regular performer under Chris Sutton, but hasn't played for the Imps since January.

Despite taking three welcome points from yesterday's game against Crewe, Hereford United still await the results of an inquiry into the use of a player who wasn't correctly registered in the game at Torquay last month.

The disciplinary hearing is expected to take place on April 6th, the day after the home game against Wycombe.

"It's no longer in our hands," said Pitman as reported by the Sun.

"It was our admin cock-up. We were two hours late signing a player."

Torquay also used a player who was registered in-correctly during the game.

Hereford United have nine more games to play this season and on paper it's not an easy run-in.

After yesterday's 1-0 home win against Crewe, the Bulls have 44 points from 37 games. But there is still the possibility of a points deduction for playing an unregistered player, Rob Purdie, at Torquay on February 1st.

It's generally accepted that the Bulls need around 50 points to stay safe. Should the Bulls lose the three points they gained at Torquay, then nine points may be required.

That's quite a difficult loooking task but three points at Accrington on Wednesday would be a great start.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

It seemed a perfectly reasonable excuse to miss this season’s opener, sitting with a bottle of wine in a French square, and your correspondent was soon able to discover, with a quick text to Paulo, that we had defeated the might of Crewe Alexandra by a solitary header from new skipper Janos Kovacs. What seems like an eternity later, much has changed with Mr Kovacs out of favour, ex-physio Jamie Pitman continuing at the helm, and loan signings galore featuring in the intervening period. Today’s result, however, remains the same, with a Stuart Fleetwood strike proving the difference between the sides, thus securing a double for the Bulls and moving them further from the relegation trapdoor. With the clocks advanced, play began as the home side’s backup squad once more occupied what had previously been the visitors’ dugout. Jimmy McQuilkin and Steve Leslie combined to good effect in an early raid, and then a dangerous cross from Joe Colbeck was sliced horribly over his own bar by one of the two Ashley Westwoods fielded by Crewe. A promising move by the visitors was cut short when a foul was called, though Hereford could be considered fortunate that the advantage rule was not applied. Adam Bartlett made a fine double save after a break by the speedy Shaun Miller at the expense of a corner, and then Colbeck was guilty of giving the ball away cheaply, though to his credit, he was quick to rectify the situation. Midfield partner Nicky Featherstone, who had played some intelligent balls forward, then also lost possession before making a retrieving tackle. Leslie then showed his prowess with a couple of crosses which could not quite find a Hereford head. One quarter of the game had gone when the goal arrived. Stuart Fleetwood chased what seemed a lost cause, and induced panic and hesitancy in the Crewe rearguard. Our hero stabbed the ball goalwards, and a deflection wrong-footed Steve Phillips who could only turn to watch as the ball trickled over the goal line.

Fleetwood celebrating after scoring his 16th of the season - Pictures taken by Andy Compton from the Hereford Journal

In an attempt to secure an instant response, Clayton Donaldson, adept as always at finding space and holding the ball up, created a couple of chances, one of which drew a smart save from Bartlett, whilst the other, following a rapidly taken free kick, saw him shoot wide. Colbeck played a terrific pass to Ryan Green on the overlap, and in turn he found McQuilkin who won a corner, but the flag kick was wasted. At the other end, a long range raking shot from Dan Shelley was palmed to safety by a diving Bartlett. Then, in the last meaningful action of the half, Fleetwood once more picked the pocket of a defender, Patrick Ada on this occasion, to feed McQuilkin, but he rather ran down a cul-de-sac and the chance had gone.

HT: HUFC 1 CREWE ALEXANDRA 0

Donaldson popped up on the right wing and somehow managed to get in a cross, despite being closely marked, and Miller at the near post almost forced the ball home, with Bartlett once more alert to the danger and getting a vital touch to preserve the Bulls’ lead. Fleetwood, Colbeck and Featherstone were showing a solid understanding and managed to win a few corners, but the visitors’ defence were not unduly troubled. Green pushed forward, almost managing to get on to the end of an imaginative back flick from little Jimmy, though he was fortunate not to concede a free kick for an overzealous challenge moments later. Retribution followed immediately as the Welshman was unceremoniously taken out with an ugly challenge, though Mr Sutton did not penalise this either. The other Westwood, the veteran midfielder, then fashioned a couple of chances, but was off target. Michael Townsend, who has faced some criticism after recent games, looked much more confident in his partnership with the calm, assured Stefan (no relation) Stam, as the home defence dealt well with what little Crewe could throw at them.

Stam getting a hand from Crewe's Joel Grant

As the minutes ticked by, Hereford became less of an attacking threat and resorted to some unwelcome and unproductive “hoofery”. Substitutions for both sides made little impact, with Byron Moore joining his team-mate Shelley but failing to provide the expected poetry for the away side. United fans, rather surprisingly, were not given a look at new loanee Jason Price, other than to admire his lustrous hair during the interval. Rumours that, had he appeared, Mr Keyte would have had to include him as a “visitor” on today’s census form, and that there was insufficient space, can be neither confirmed nor denied. On Tuesday, Bulls fans listening to the proceedings at Port Vale on the wireless knew what would happen when the commentator said that we only had to hold on for the four added minutes. There was some foreboding when, once more, four extra minutes were announced, and Hereford conceded an unnecessary free kick in the third of these. This time, however, the ball was lumped aimlessly into the box and a vital win was secured.

Some reaction from both Jamie Pitman and Dario Gradi (pictured shaking hands) after today's 1-0 victory by Hereford United over Crewe.

Firstly Pitman:

"We have worked very hard to get the result," said Pitman.

"While I don't like to pick too many out, of the back lads, Michael Townsend in particular was excellent as was Stefan Stam. From that you can build and get your chances, then, if you take them you have a chance of winning the game.

"The crowd got behind us well today and it gave the team a massive lift. I don't think people always realise how important that is to make sure we get something from games."

Secondly Gradi:

"I thought it was a poor game and lacking in atmosphere. I certainly did not think that Hereford were better than us.

"The players worked hard enough but the pitches don't help us much at this time of the year, although this pitch is better than ours.

"They are all bumpy and to get that first-time passing going when the ball is bobbling about is very difficult.

"I thought we defended well. Apart from just that once, our goal was not in any danger and Steve Phillips did not have anything to do - although, after the first few minutes neither did their goalkeeper."

Burton lost their heads at Oxford today, ending the game with a 3-0 loss and only nine men on the pitch.

With Tony James dropped to the bench Darren Moore was dismissed in conceding a penalty for the second goal, while Tom Parks was also sent off with 15 minutes left. The Brewers are now just two points clear of the bottom two and can no longer catch the Bulls with their games in hand.

In the other League Two game today Cheltenham lost 2-1 at home to Gillingham after taking the lead in the third minute. Gills striker Cody McDonald struck twice in the last five minutes to leave Cheltenham still three points short of the magical 50 point mark.

In the Conference's only game Wrexham beat Newport 1-0 to reinforce their play-off ambitions.

The Bulls beat Crewe 1-0 at Edgar Street today to stretch their safety net to nine points.
Stuart Fleetwood capitalised on a hesitant Crewe defence to net the only goal as the Bulls put in an assured team performance to frustrate the visitors for long periods.
Full report later.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

In today's final League Two match, Barnet needed an injury time howler from Chesterfield keeper Tommy Lee to salvage a point at Underhill.

The Spireites were 2-0 up before Sam Deering pulled one back early in the second half. With four of seven injury time minutes gone, Deering's cross was left to sail into the net by keeper Lee to earn a much needed point. The point takes the Bees back off the bottom with them and Stockport on 35 points, six behind the Bulls.

Stockport have closed the gap to the Bulls to six points after beating Southend 2-1 today. The Hatters move onto 35 points with seven games left. Barnet are now bottom, with 34 points, and play their 39th game against Chesterfield tonight. Morecambe continue their slow march downwards with a 3-0 home loss to Wycombe to leave them two points ahead of the Bulls having now played three games more. Bradford lost 2-1 at home to Shrewsbury to stay three points ahead of the Bulls having played a game more.

At the top Wycombe close Chesterfield's gap at the top to ten points, with Bury third after a goalless draw at Port Vale. The Valiants are a point out of the play-offs in ninth, three points ahead of Accrington after a late Darren Jones header left them with a 1-1 draw at Aldershot. Stevenage leap up to fourth after a 4-0 win at Macclesfield in front of just 1,346.

At the foot of League One Swindon lost 2-1 at Brighton to be seven points adrift of safety with just eight games left. Dagenham secured another point with a 1-1 draw with Sheff Weds to go six games unbeaten, while Yeovil eased four points clear of the bottom four with a 5-1 win at Leyton Orient.

The veteran boss has seen Price score several times against his side during his lengthy tenure at Gresty Road, while he told Crewe's official site he had also tried to sign Fleetwood from Forest Green:

"Stuart had a chance to join us a few years ago but turned us down. He was a decent player and I'm sure he is a decent player now. I haven't followed his career that closely but he is still in the league and scoring goals.

"He probably has not made the progress he or we thought he would make but he is a goal scorer and that is why we wanted him to join us.

"Jason has a good record against us. I best remember him when he was at Doncaster but I think he has been prolific against us whenever he has played against us. He is a handful but hopefully now he is a bit older he has slowed down a bit!

"I don't think there is a poor team in the division and Hereford defeated us on the opening day of the season at our ground, so we owe them one. We want to go there and win on their ground."

Oldham's players and staff have not been paid on time for the second successive month. The club say the wage bill will be settled early next week. Wrexham's current owners have denied the club is days away from Administration after bidder Stephanie Booth revealed they had received a winding up notice from the taxman.

Bradford's local press say the reason their match with Shrewsbury is the only League game kicking off at 3pm today is because the Shrews refused to either move the day, or wanted £3,000 for an overnight stay to play the game at 1pm. Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy will meet the club's chairman to discuss his future after admitting that results haven't been good enough this season.

Departed Port Vale manager Jim Gannon has released a statement through the LMA saying the club's board knew his management style: 'On taking the appointment I felt that we had a clear understanding about my style of coaching and management.'Torquay had to ditch their own coach and use Cheltenham's team bus to make last night's game. Players carried kit up an embankment on the M5 to meet the Robins' bus that was on the bridge above after being stuck in traffic for several hours.

Sky Sports claim Stockport rejected a bid from Torquay for midfielder Greg Tansey. The 22 year old is out of contract in the summer and is claimed to be a target of a unnamed League One side. Accrington say they have a couple of potential new sponsors interested in the club. They have lost their stadium and shirt sponsors over the last year and are seeking both for the coming season.

For today's archive article BN looks back to September 26 1972, a time when the Bulls were enjoying their first season in the Fourth Division. The slightly edited article first appeared in the USA.

Hereford United football club has supporters as far afield as Canada it seems.

When the club's young chairman Frank Miles opened a fund to build a new stand for the ground, a 10$ donation was received from a fan in Canada.

Miles isn't surprised by what he calls 'a predictable surge of interest in Hereford United'.

He took the failing club by the horns in 1969 and announced he would resign if it wasn't in the Fourth Division by the end of the 1972 season.

Today at 38, Miles is the youngest chairman and his letter of resignation has been filed away until 1983. His first ambition realized one year ahead of schedule, he has drawn up a new 10 year plan to take the club to the First Division.

"If we're not at the top by then I'll resign," he said.

"We're big down here and now we've made a start we'll be looking for promotion all the time."

Hereford emerged last season from the obscurity of the Southern League and then knocked out First Division Newcastle in the FA Cup, a soccer competition open to all-comers.

Hereford went on to tie with the premier British team West Ham before going out of the cup in a fourth round replay against this London based side.

Despite the cut-throat existence for Fourth Division clubs, Hereford is set for success in its first season in the League.

"Financially, as well as on the field of play, we're in top shape," says Miles.

While the club enjoys strong vocal support from thousands of fans throughout the West Midlands and farther afield, a group of local businessmen recently donated £2500to the Hereford funds.

Three weeks before the opening of the 1972 season, season ticket sales had risen to £12000, a league record for a new arrival.

"We are now financially sound enough to withstand the pressures," said Miles, head of a chain of carpet stores.

"We have given ourselves a guarantee far longer than a few seasons of mediocre success."

Surprisingly only three of the Hereford squad are full time players. The remainder, despite promotion to the league, will continue their careers says the club's player-manager, Colin Addison, 31.

"I had hoped that they would all turn full-time," he added.

"But I'm satisfied we can do as well as we did last season without making any big changes in our lives."

Addison predicts that Hereford will finish in the top ten in the Fourth Division by the end of the current season.

Certainly few Fourth Division sides can seriously predict regular home gates of between 8000 and 10000. To accommodate the influx and prepare for a rise to the top the club has invested £500,000 on ground improvements over the next five years.

"Frank Miles has made Hereford soccer almost as famous as the local breed of cattle," Addison says.

"It will take a brave team to stop these Hereford Bulls now."

Friday, March 25, 2011

It's an odd few days for Hereford, facing Crewe Alexandra on Sunday and Accrington Stanley on Wednesday. With Wales facing England at the Millenium Stadium on Saturday, the Bulls will instead take centre stage the day after when Dario Gradi's men visit. Can Hereford pick up their third home win of the season or will it be yet more misery at Edgar Street?

To enter the Bulls News Prediction League, simply send in your final score and attendance predictions to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk . The deadline for the Crewe game is at 2.30pm on Sunday; please remember to include your chosen username.

In tonight's League Two action Rotherham had a go at proving Ronnie Moore's dismissal to be the right thing by beating Lincoln 6-0 at Sincil Bank.

Millers' striker Ian Thomas-Moore, Ronnie's son, bagged a hat-trick with the Imps ending the game with ten men. The other game was delayed 30 minutes after Torquay's team bus was held up due to a 'police incident' on the M5 while travelling to Northampton. The game ended 2-2 with Guillem Bauza scoring an equaliser for the Cobblers six minutes into injury time.

At the foot of League One Bristol Rovers held Peterboro to a 2-2 draw, with Harry Pell again starting for the Pirates and setting up one of the goals. Walsall also gained a point with a 1-1 draw with MK Dons.

Crewe chairman John Bowler says that promotion is the club's 'immediate and highest priority' ahead of their trip to Edgar Street.

The Railwaymen sit five points short of the play-offs with just eight games remaining, with Bowler warning that a return to League One is a must for the club as they can no longer rely on transfer fees to prop up the club finances: "If you're going through a recessionary time, perhaps there's not as much money available as there used to be for transfer fees."

The Railwaymen will be without AJ Leitch-Smith and Rhys Taylor for Sunday's game. Striker Leitch-Smith aggrivated a hamstring injury during a midweek training match, while Chelsea loanee Taylor is on international duty with the Welsh u21 side.

Taylor's absence will mean a recall for Steve Phillips. The Bath-born keeper ended 13 years playing for the two Bristol clubs when signing for the Railwaymen last summer but has made just two appearances all season. He expects to leave Gresty Road in the summer, and is likely to use Sunday's game to showcase his talents to earn a deal next season.

The Railwaymen are also expected to field veteran defender Ashley Westwood on Sunday after he started his first League match in three years against Accrington on Tuesday. The 34 year old, who was released as part of a cost-cutting measure at Kettering, told The Sentinel that the club had to start stringing wins together with a target of six wins out of their remaining eight games:

"We're on 52 points now, and if 70 is the benchmark (for play-offs) then we've obviously got to be winning games quickly. We've got to string three or four wins together and go from there."

The Bulls entertain Crewe on Sunday at Edgar Street for a League Two match.

It is the third successive season the Bulls have faced the Railwaymen after a 15 year break. From the five encounters in recent times, the two sides have two wins each with one draw. Back in the August sun the Bulls ran out 1-0 winners at Gresty Road with the hosts missing a hatful of chances while, last time at Edgar Street, John Trewick's side played out a 1-1 draw in front of just 1,367 on a cold January night with Leon Constantine giving the Bulls the lead before Clayton Donaldson equalised just after half time.

The Bulls will be looking for the return of the sunshine to bring about a change in fortunes on home soil. It seems a long time ago that Swansea were played off the park in pre-season, only for the League dreams to shatter shortly after the opening day win at Crewe. Just five of those that started at Crewe began Tuesday's draw with Port Vale, although Joe Colbeck will return from suspension and Kenny Lunt was a surprise omission from the XI at Gresty Road. New signing Jason Price has form with Crewe having scored six times against them through his career, including a goal in a JPT area final that cost the Railwaymen a trip to Wembley.

Dario Gradi's men have struggled for consistency all season in front of goal. They have hit three or more goals ten times this season including a seven goal demolition of Barnet but, like the opening day of the season, they have also regularly struggled to find the target. Their defence is equally inconsistent with the Bulls' goal at Gresty Road being one of only 15 conceded at home all season, but they have leaked 41 on the road to collect the lowest number of points away from home than anyone in the top two-thirds of the table.

Plymouth have been dealt a blow after teenager Jack Stephens rejected a £125,000 move to Fulham. They could have sold the 17 year old as he's not on a pro contract, but the player opted against the move leaving Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle scrambling for funds to keep the club going. Histon have had their transfer embargo lifted after satisfying their overdue tax demands.

Bradford say that Accrington wanted compensation amounting to half of John Coleman's contract to take the manager to Valley Parade. Coleman signed a five year contract in October. Port Vale caretaker boss Mark Grew does not expect Exodus Geoghaghon to play for the club again, saying the Peterboro loanee will 'not do himself any favours' by returning.

The local press say Cheltenham's decision not to extend the loan of Exeter's Jake Thomson was a financial one, with the club giving up hope of a play-off place. Lincoln are reported to have been on the verge of signing Walsall's ex-Macclesfield keeper Johnny Brain on loan when they landed Villa keeper Elliott Parrish. Brain is out of contract in the summer.

Torquay have extended the loan of Dagenham striker Gavin Tomlin until the end of the season. The 28 year old has scored once in four games so far. Shrewsbury are trialling midfielder Nathan Rooney after his release from Wolves. The 18 year old is an Eire u19 international.

Morecambe are investigating comments made on Twitter by former Bulls loanee Tony Capaldi. The Northern Ireland international's remarks have brought calls from fans for him to be sacked, while the player has shut down his account with the site. Burton have released young defender Kevin Grocutt by mutual consent. The youth team graduate has recently been on loan at Vauxhall Motors.

Ex-Bull Gavin Mahon has joined Crystal Palace on loan from QPR. Now 34, Mahon hasn't played a first team game since November 2009 due to a variety of injuries. Stevenage have signed Histon keeper Joe Welch on loan for the remainder of the season. The 22 year old has been Histon's regular first choice this season.

Lincoln have signed Aston Villa keeper Elliott Parrish on a youth loan for the rest of the season. The 20 year old fills the void left by Trevor Carson's return to Sunderland. Carson was thought to have been recalled due to injuries at the Stadium of Light, but he has now been loaned out to Brentford. Burton have signed Leicester defender Tom Parkes on loan until the end of the season. The 19 year old central defender spent half the season at the Pirelli Stadium last season.

Kidderminster have extended the loan of Bulls striker Sean Canham to the end of the standard Conference season.

While, technically, he had returned to Edgar Street after his loan expiration last week, the Harriers had no game over the weekend and opted to delay the extension to allow him to be eligible for as many games as possible.

Canham will remain with Kiddy until April 30th, with enough days remaining of the maximum 93 day period to allow him to remain for the play-offs should they qualify.

Experienced striker Jason Price is the final piece of the Bulls puzzle this season.

The 33 year old forward joins from Carlisle until the end of the season. He has 22 games to his name this season, mostly in loan spells at Walsall and Bradford.

The Aberdare-born 6ft 2in man started his career at Swansea before notable spells at Tranmere, Hull, and Doncaster. He is out of contract at Brunton Park in the summer.

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott told their official site: "Jason is a fantastic lad, he really is, and he's at a stage where he wants to be playing football. This move gives him the opportunity to do that and hopefully he can go to Hereford and help them in their run-in up to the end of the season."

With the game against Crewe expected to be played in bright sunshine, a good crowd is expected for a rare Sunday outing for the Bulls.

The last Sunday match at Edgar Street was in 2008, when the Police moved the FA Cup game with Cardiff. Nearly 7,000 packed into Edgar Street that day as the Bulls went down 2-1 to the Championship side. An unused sub on that day for Cardiff was Aaron Ramsey. The 20 year old is to captain Wales against England on Saturday.

Bulls chairman David Keyte is expecting to meet the Football League in Bristol on April 6th to resolve the ineligible player charge.

The Hereford Times reports that a five man committee will meet to consider the matter. It also quotes Keyte in saying they hope to sign another player before today's 5pm loan deadline:

“We would like to get in a player on Thursday and then that will be it for the season. We think the likes of Fairhurst and Fleetwood will need some help.”

Meanwhile the Torquay-reporting Herald Express suggest the Football League are to revise their rules to end the problem of having three different deadlines on the same day for various types of transfer:

It seems that the League accepts that to have three different registration 'deadlines' on the same day, as was the case on January 31 this year, is too complicated and asking for trouble. A far simpler formula is being sought, akin to the deadline which will mark the closing of the loan transfer window today. That's at 5pm this afternoon...full stop, end of argument.

Cheltenham have opted not to extend the loan of midfielder Jake Thomson after indicating they wanted to earlier in the week. The Exeter midfielder scored once in five games for the Robins. Barnet's new manager Martin Allen has made his first move, bringing in Chelsea keeper Sam Walker on loan after both senior keepers at Underhill picked up injuries. Walker, 19, is 6ft 6in and cost the Premier League side £500,000 as a 17 year old from Millwall.

Lincoln have signed Portsmouth midfielder Tom Kilbey on loan until the end of the season. The 20 year old debuted for previous club Millwall as a 16 year old before moving to the then Premier League side. Southend are reported to have just 13 fit players for the weekend and are set to name a youth team player in their starting line-up against Stockport. They have eight injured players, one on international duty, and two more with a sickness bug.

Former Bulls loanee Lateef Elford-Alliyu will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury. The West Brom trainee has scored five times in 17 appearances on loan at Tranmere, and had earned an England u19 call up. Plymouth have been refused permission by the Football League to sell youngster Joe Mason outside the transfer window. Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle says FL rules will not allow him to make a sale, even on an advanced payment basis, and the FL are not willing to bend their rules.

Carlisle have reported a £110,000 profit for the first half of the season, thanks largely to player sales and a cup run. Chairman Andrew Jenkins says the club's commercial income is well down on previous seasons, and they are concerned about falling attendances. Grimsby say they will not be paying any compensation to Boston for the new management duo as the pair had only five weeks left on their contracts when they resigned.

Plymouth's Administrator says that he may have to go to court to seek a resolution over the mortgage shortfall that is threatening to derail attempts to sell the club. In a press call yesterday Brendan Guilfoyle said there had been some movement, but no deal had yet been struck. Stockport have extended the loan of teenage Ipswich keeper Ian McLoughlin until the end of the season. The 19 year old has played five times in his opening month for the Hatters.

Bradford boss Peter Jackson has promoted youth team striker Darren Stephenson to the first team, and he will be named on the bench for their weekend game with Shrewsbury. Barnet have made their second signing of the day, loaning long throw merchant Jude Stirling from MK Dons. The 28 year old has made only four appearances in League One this season. Signing no.3 of the day sees former striker Guiliano Grazioli named as Martin Allen's assistant.

Northampton have signed Fulham forward Michael Uwezu on loan for the rest of the season. The 20 year old had a spell at Lincoln last term, and is not eligible for tomorrow's game with Torquay as the deadline for signings for that game was at noon. Port Vale have extended the loan of Rotherham striker Tom Pope for another month. Wycombe have extended the loan of Watford defender Rob Kiernan until the end of the season.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Approval has been given to Stanhope by Herefordshire Council this afternoon for the £80m development of the livestock market area opposite the Edgar Street football ground.

The 310,000 sq ft scheme will include a new department store, a Waitrose food store and a six-screen Odeon cinema.

The development will not take the form of a traditional shopping centre, but a series of open streets, which will include the creation of new public realm spaces. The entire project will be wholly funded by the private sector.

Alistair Shaw, retail development director at Stanhope, said: “Over the past three years Stanhope and our wider team have lived and breathed this project and we feel that the application now approved by the council will bring Hereford the first rate leisure and retail facilities it deserves.”

Stanhope was chosen by the council to develop the scheme in 2007 but in 2009 the scheme was scaled back from 450,000 sq ft to 310,000 sq ft due to market conditions.

In October 2010, Stanhope publically exhibited its revised plans for the scheme, which saw a reduction in the amount of retail space and the inclusion of greater measures to ensure better connectivity between the old livestock market site and Hereford’s existing retail core.

Stanhope will look to commence work in early 2012 with a view to completion in autumn 2013.

There will be an auction on behalf of Help for Heroes this Friday 25th March at the Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Gloucester GL4 3RX starting at 8pm.

It has been organised by Hereford United supporter Paul Rowberry who has sent BN the following details.

Included in the auction of about 40 lots will be tickets to a Manchester United game, A Signed HUFC ball, A Signed Gloucester Rugby Ball, A family ticket to Glamorgan Cricket, A Family ticket to any one of three Wigan Athletic games, Plus tickets for Golf, Rock Climbing, Meals out, Beauty Treatments, loads of excellent lots.

On the night there will also be a few games played and a raffle and the night will be hosted by a radio D.J from GFM, it should be a really good night out and every lot and everything has been kindly donated by local and national clubs, businesses etc, including the D.J and even the Conference room at the hotel.

It would be great to see loads of people there especially from the Hereford area(Where I am from originally...Ledbury), hopefully bidding on the football or even something to keep the mrs sweet, whilst your away watching the Mighty Whites, ie buy her a massage or beauty treatment book it for a Saturday, and off you go....Result, you get to watch the Whites and bag some brownie points at the same time.

Please note every single penny raised on the night will go straight to help for Heroes as the County Co-ordinator will actually be there on the night to collect all monies.

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